The air was thick with BBQ smoke and the hearty aroma of grilled chicken last Saturday August 9th by U.S. 35 and Johnson Road. Anyone passing by the area was sure to notice die hard volunteers waving colorful handmade signs promoting food, music and shopping a dancing person wearing a full body chicken suit in the eighty degree heat was hard to miss, too!
Yes, plenty of enthusiasm and community support marked the inaugural event, dubbed Chicken-Palooza. Over $1,500 was raised by the IKAN Club from Parents and Friends, Inc. (PAF) to support community outreach efforts and their continued mission to provide compassionate and custom-tailored service to individuals with intellectual disabilities, so they can reach maximum independence over their life.
"We had great support from all of our volunteers to make this day a great success," said IKAN facilitator Jeff Rupe.
IKAN Club wishes to emphasize their gratitude to the following groups that assisted them in surpassing their fundraising goals: Lorne Hodum and Lakeview Christian Center, Kabelin's Ace Hardware, Kip Dugan and the LaPorte County Farmer's Market, Stan Maddux and the staff of WLOI 1540 AM, Mitch, Lou and Jordan from the band 350 West and everyone at PAF and throughout the community that donated, participated and shared encouragement to make the event a success.
